Predictors of decent work across time: Testing propositions from Psychology of Working Theory

Abstract

The goal of the current study was to examine longitudinal relations among predictors of decent work within Psychology of Working Theory (PWT). Data were collected from a large group of employed adults (N = 1540) at three-time points over six months. Multilevel modeling was used to test for the between and within-person effects of four predictor variables (economic constraints, marginalization experiences, work volition, career adaptability) on decent work. Significant between and within-person effects on decent work existed for all four predictor variables. However, within-person effects of economic constraints and marginalization on work volition and career adaptability were nonsignificant. These findings indicate that when considering sample level averages (between-person effects), theory consistent effects were found in connecting these variables across time. Work volition, in particular, was the most robust predictor of decent work and was the most robust mediator connecting economic constraints and marginalization experiences to decent work. When considering individual participant variability across time (within-person effects), it appears that changes from mean scores in structural and psychological factors both predict fluctuations in decent work. However, psychological factors do not mediate the effects of structural factors. Implications for research, practice, and theory are discussed. Public significance statement: This is the first known study to examine how specific variables may relate to the securement of decent work over time. Findings suggest that feeling a sense of choice in one's career is most predictive of viewing one's job as decent. However, changes in an individual's perception of economic constraints and marginalization may also affect perceptions of decent work.